‘Nate Berkus’ to exit in May

Talker won't return for third season

“The Nate Berkus Show” will not return after its second season ends in May, Harpo Studios and Sony Pictures TV have announced.

“After careful consideration, we have decided that ‘The Nate Berkus Show’ will not return for a third season in the fall,” the companies said in a statement. “We are grateful for the hard work and heart that Nate, Corin Nelson and their entire team have poured into the show, and we’re very proud of what they’ve delivered.”

The show remains in production and will continue with original episodes through the end of its current campaign in May. However, in contrast to Sony Pictures TV’s “Dr. Oz,” another talker with Oprah Winfrey’s imprimatur that averages 3.7 million viewers, “Berkus” did not generate the audience to justify the expense of continuing beyond this season.

The “Berkus” news was first reported by Broadcasting & Cable.

“I’m incredibly proud of my hard working and talented staff, and proud of the show we were able to produce every day,” Berkus said.

Sony Pictures TV isn’t launching any new syndie talkers in 2012, but is partnering with Will Smith shingle Overbrook Entertainment to produce a Queen Latifah-hosted talkshow for 2013. Flavor Unit Entertainment, topped by Latifah and Shakim Compere will also produce.